To get to the conference, some travel time and effort was involved, just as it is on any trip. A colleague and I met at 5 am to head to the airport in Dayton for a 7 am flight to Pheonix, with a change of planes in Denver. My traveling companion and I are both about the same height and build - we sat next to each other on the full flight. This meant not much room for movement, but we did secure a place on the exit row (leg room is a constant issue for me on a plane!)
The flight took off at 7 am, and about 20 minutes into the flight, the flight attendant asked if there were any doctors or nurses on board. Five people came forward to offer assistance to a traveler sitting at the front of the plane. We never heard what the medical issue was, but it took the attention of the crew away from the rest of those on the plane - rightfully so.
About an hour later into the flight, we were informed that we would be stopping in Omaha, Nebraska so the person in need of medical attention could be taken care of in a setting better than a Southwest Airlines cabin at 35,000 feet. So we quickly descended to the airport, and were met with firetrucks, a police car and an ambulance at the gate. The person in need was quickly escorted off the plane, and those who offered assistance were thanked by applause by their fellow travelers. After filling out paperwork and getting a new flight plan, we were on our way finally to Denver.
We arrived in Denver about an hour later than scheduled. I commend Southwest for doing everything possible to accommodate those who missed connections becuase of our unexpected stop. Before we exited the plane, the company was already preparing alternate travel plans for those who were unable to make their connecting flights. We were lucky that we had a two hour lay-over in Denver already planned, so we made our connection with no problems. I also commend Southwest and our fellow plane-mates for understanding the situation and keeping things in perspective. I heard no complaints from anyone about the delay - the crew did what needed to be done.
We arrived in Phoenix, got our luggage and rental car and made it to our hotel for the conference. We have arrived, but the jouney has already been a learning occasion. The journey here reminds me of the many times in life we make plans, but things happen we don't plan or we wish wouldn't happen in the first place. We journey on. And the more we journey on, the more we realize that the journey is a major part of life. It is not so much the destination as it is the journey.
Last week's gospel lesson told of two followers of Jesus on a journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the first Easter Day. It is about a seven mile walk. Along the journey, weighed down with the grief of Jesus' death and uncertainty of the reports of an empty tomb, they journey on. It is along the way on that journey that Jesus catches up with them, walks with them, opens the scriptures for them, breaks bread with them, and is revealed to them. It all takes place on the journey.
On the plane yesterday, I am confident I was not the only one offering prayers for our fellow plane-mate. And on that unexpected journey, God was present in the care and attention given. I also believe I learned a lesson (and I would venture to say I am not alone) that it isn't all about me. When we journey, we often travel with others. While we would like the focus to be on "me," the reality is we live a world of "WE." God created us to live in community, which also means we travel in community. We journey together.
As we journey from the empty tomb and back into the world, may we be mindful of the needs - the joys and sorrows of those around us. May we also be willing to share with others OUR joys and sorrows, so that, together, we can build up, support and care for one another as the body fo Christ. Loving Jesus by serving others.
Peace,
Pastor Charlie
Excellent post, Pastor. Thanks for sharing!
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